Relaxed 8-Day Hawaii Itinerary (Perfect for Parents!)

Having visited Hawaii three times as a solo adventurer, this trip was all about slow travel with my parents. They loved it—here’s how we did it: ✈️ Flight Route SJC → Big Island (3 nights) → Oahu (5 nights) → SJC (No backtracking!). 🌋 Big Island Highlights 1️⃣ Volcano Viewing: Best spot: Devastation Trail parking lot (skip the trail—walk 1 mile past restrooms for epic views!). Bonus: Thurston Lava Tube (short but cool!). 2️⃣ Turtles & Waterfalls: Black sand beaches (guaranteed turtles!). Akaka Falls (lush rainforest walk). 3️⃣ Food: Airbnb meals + fresh poke bowls from supermarkets. 🏝️ Oahu Highlights 1️⃣ Waikiki Base: Parents explored solo—acai bowls, shopping, beaches. 2️⃣ Polynesian Cultural Center: Top shows: Māori + Fiji performances (selfie with the "Fiji prince"!). Gateway Buffet: Parents loved the seafood/steak; I devoured fried shrimp & fries. 3️⃣ Kualoa Ranch: Jurassic Tour by truck—easy, shady, stunning coastal views. 4️⃣ Pearl Harbor: USS Missouri (free Chinese guide—WWII surrender history!). 5️⃣ Honolulu Zoo: Small but primate-rich (my personal happy place). 😢 Missed Adventure Captain Cook snorkeling (canceled due to winter waves). #Hawaii #FamilyTravel #BigIsland #Oahu